Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews. Based on 31 + 27 road tests and 907 + 6,614 owner reviews. How we score
Pilot Sport 4 S is ahead, 81–72
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Tests 74 · 31 tests Owners 66 · 907 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 9 in 2018 Sport Auto 19 inch UHP and Track Day Tyre Test (wet braking)
“I have Fallen FK510s and live where it rains 300 days a year, they perform great and I'm sure the 520 is even better”
Tests 81 · 27 tests Owners 82 · 6,614 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 15 in 2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test (dry braking)
“A note about the pilot sport 4 S: in cold weather (below 5 degrees) even if it isn't icy, the tyre compound hardens and has dramatically reduced grip. They are excellent summer tyres though, good in the wet too. These days I run Uniroyal rainsport 5 and they're very good.”
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
| Source | Azenis FK510 | Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 28 / 25 tests | 73 | 94 |
| Reviews found online | 75 | 89 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) · 8 shared tests · wins 1–7 | 94% | 99% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) · 8 shared tests · wins 1–7 | 97% | 99% |
| Dry Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 4 shared tests · wins 0–4 | 78% | 96% |
Azenis FK510: 60% × 72.8 + 40% × 75.4 = 74
Pilot Sport 4 S: 60% × 93.6 + 40% × 88.6 = 92
| Source | Azenis FK510 | Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 29 / 26 tests | 88 | 85 |
| Reviews found online | 76 | 85 |
| Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 7 shared tests · wins 4–3 | 96% | 95% |
| Wet Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 4 shared tests · wins 2–2 | 85% | 83% |
| Wet Braking (% of best) · 8 shared tests · wins 4–3 | 97% | 96% |
| Wet Circle (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–2 | 96% | 98% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) · 8 shared tests · wins 5–3 | 97% | 96% |
Azenis FK510: 60% × 87.6 + 40% × 76.2 = 83
Pilot Sport 4 S: 60% × 85.3 + 40% × 84.6 = 85
| Source | Azenis FK510 | Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | ≈ 61 (est.) | – |
| Reviews found online | 44 | – |
Azenis FK510: 60% × 61.4 (est.) + 40% × 44.3 = 55
No road tests of snow for Azenis FK510. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.33).
| Source | Azenis FK510 | Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 6 / 6 tests | 42 | 70 |
| Reviews found online | 68 | 81 |
| Comfort (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 | 60% | 90% |
Azenis FK510: 60% × 41.7 + 40% × 68.2 = 52
Pilot Sport 4 S: 60% × 70.4 + 40% × 80.8 = 75
| Source | Azenis FK510 | Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 18 / 20 tests | 66 | 70 |
| Reviews found online | 69 | ≈ 67 (est.) |
| Noise (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 1–2 | 99% | 99% |
Azenis FK510: 60% × 66 + 40% × 68.7 = 67
Pilot Sport 4 S: 60% × 70.3 + 40% × 67.3 (est.) = 69
No owner ratings of noise for Pilot Sport 4 S. The owner half is the owners’ average (67): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.
| Source | Azenis FK510 | Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 5 / 1 tests | 72 | 70 |
| Reviews found online | 57 | 71 |
| Tested Tread Life (Miles) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 | 54% | 62% |
Azenis FK510: 60% × 72.4 + 40% × 57.3 = 66
Pilot Sport 4 S: 60% × 70.2 + 40% × 71.4 = 71
| Source | Azenis FK510 | Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews found online | 71 | 86 |
| Category | Falken Azenis FK510 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 72 | 81 |
| Dry | 74 | 92 |
| Wet | 83 | 85 |
| Snow | 55 | – |
| Comfort | 52 | 75 |
| Noise | 67 | 69 |
| Treadwear | 66 | 71 |
| Handling (owners) | 71 | 86 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Only one of the two tires has a score here, so this weight changes nothing in the head-to-head.
Azenis FK510
Pilot Sport 4 S
Only categories both tires have data for count toward the headline score.
Per discipline: the average % of the best tire over every test both tires were in, and how many of those tests each one won. “Different tests” rows compare results from separate tests.
In the overall rankings of 12 tests that ran both, Falken Azenis FK510 finished ahead 0 times and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S 12 times.
| Discipline | Category | Azenis FK510 | Pilot Sport 4 S | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 94% | 99% | −4.3 | 1–7 in 8 shared tests Newest: 2025 Tire Rack UUHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 97% | 99% | −2.0 | 1–7 in 8 shared tests Newest: 2025 Tire Rack UUHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Dry Handling (tester's mark) | Dry | 78% | 96% | −18.5 | 0–4 in 4 shared tests Newest: 2025 Tire Rack UUHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Curved Aquaplaning | Wet | 70% #6/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 | 96% #4/7 · 2025 Autobild Sportcars Summer Tire Test R20 | – | Different tests |
| Straight Aquaplaning | Wet | 96% | 95% | +0.7 | 4–3 in 7 shared tests Newest: 2021 Auto Bild UUHP Summer Tyre Test · 265/35 R20 |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 97% | 96% | +0.6 | 4–3 in 8 shared tests Newest: 2025 Tire Rack UUHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 96% | 98% | −1.6 | 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2025 Tire Rack UUHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 97% | 96% | +1.2 | 5–3 in 8 shared tests Newest: 2025 Tire Rack UUHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Wet Handling (tester's mark) | Wet | 85% | 83% | +1.8 | 2–2 in 4 shared tests Newest: 2025 Tire Rack UUHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Wet Lateral Stability | Wet | 80% #3/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 | 80% #2/10 · 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 | – | Different tests |
| Comfort (tester's mark) | Comfort | 60% | 90% | −30.0 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test · 245/30 R20 |
| Exterior Noise | Noise | 70% #8/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 | 99% #2/7 · 2025 Autobild Sportcars Summer Tire Test R20 | – | Different tests |
| Noise | Noise | 99% | 99% | −0.3 | 1–2 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2021 Auto Bild UUHP Summer Tyre Test · 265/35 R20 |
| Tested Tread Life (Miles) | Treadwear | 54% | 62% | −7.6 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Consumer Reports Ultra High Performance Summer Tires · 215/60R18 |
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Price | Cost | 77% | 48% | +29.3 | 6–0 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2021 Auto Bild UUHP Summer Tyre Test · 265/35 R20 |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 91% | 94% | −2.8 | 1–6 in 7 shared tests Newest: 2021 Auto Bild UUHP Summer Tyre Test · 265/35 R20 |
| Road Rating (tester's mark) | Other | 87% | 90% | −3.2 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2025 Tire Rack UUHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #7/10 | #5/10 | – | 0–12 in 12 shared tests Newest: 2025 Tire Rack UUHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Community members frequently view the Falken Azenis FK510 as an affordable, budget-friendly alternative to premium tires like Michelin Pilot Sports, offering strong wet weather grip and good everyday road comfort. However, opinions are mixed due to rapid treadwear, with multiple drivers reporting bald tires in 10,000 to 15,000 miles or poor durability during track and autocross sessions. Furthermore, some users note compromises in steering response, road noise, and overall performance compared to top-tier max performance tires.
“Falken Azenis FK510 prices? Anyone know why the prices for Falken Azenis FK510's went up 25% or more in the last month? 235/40R18 went from $154 to $192. The whole benefit of these tires is that they offer PS4S performance for way less money. Now, you midaswhale just buy the Michelins. I haven't seen any other summer tires make that kind of a jump in price. I know Falken announced a price increase for 2022, but it was only like 5%. What's the dealio? Read more”
“Falken Azenis SUV (FK510) Replaced my Goodyear tires after 2 years. Was using Continental prior to that. Read some good reviews regarding the Falken FK510 SUV, some even mentioned it as the poor man's Michelin tires. Goodyear's tires were a bit rough, every time we drove through a bump or potholes felt really bumpy. Conti was soft, but it's lifespan is a bit short, usually lasts me a year or so. After driving around a day with FK510, it feels nice, somewhat like Conti. Here's hoping that it'll last me 2 years. Read more”
“^^ agree not as sticky as the 615's but enough grip for the front's in 255/35/18's”
Based on 63 community posts
The community widely regards the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S as a benchmark max-performance summer tire, praising its outstanding dry and wet grip, stability, and daily driving refinement. Common criticisms focus on its premium price, rapid tread wear on high-powered heavy vehicles or hot track sessions, and significantly reduced grip in cold weather. Many enthusiasts consider it an ideal street tire, though some note softer sidewalls compared to predecessors or recommend dedicated track tires for hard circuit driving.
“I just went 12k on PSS for mixed use weekend and HDPE. 275/35 19x10 front and 305/30 19x11rear stagger. I replaced the PS4s from stock purchased PP1. I immediately noticed the PSS seemed a little louder and the concrete joints were felt and heard. Now after putting on 285/35 and 325/30 MP4S I'm enjoying a better ride. I have a track event this weekend so I'll get to test the 4S in track duty.”
“I had a similar experience with Discount Tire and brand new Michelin PS4S's. I clipped a large lane marker (not a dot, a turtle) with both driver's side tires and pinch-flatted them both. I had driven them less than 10 miles so Discount Tire replaced them for only $50 without me even asking for a discount. I had purchased them for about $450 each and didn't buy a road hazard warranty, so I was very pleased with Discount Tire.”
“My 2023 20th AE Golf R came with Hankook tires , and I've been very pleased with them. I'm a fairly aggressive driver and frequent the twisty roads in the Santa Monica Mountains. I also have a mildly modded Mk VI Golf R shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tires on factory 18" rims, and the Hankooks seem to perform almost as well in the dry, but outshine the PS4s in the wet. I will most likely need new tires next year, but I am undecided between the Hankooks and the Michelin PS4AS tires . As for Continental tires ... I use Continental tubular tires on my road bicycle, but have experienced many problems, including massive chunking with them on my 1974 BMW 2002Tii and my 1979 Scirocco Gti , so I am not going to use them on my cars again.”
Based on 208 community posts
| Attribute | A · Falken Azenis FK510 | B · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer | Summer |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 93 | 110 |
| Rim diameters | 17″ – 22″ | 17″ – 22″ |
| Tread depth | 10/32″ | — |
| UTQG | 300 A A | — |
| Sidewall | Blackwall | — |
| Max pressure | 50 psi | — |
| Sizes in common | 63 | 63 |
Falken Azenis FK510
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S — better comfort, dry and handling. It leads or ties in every category we score.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 75 vs 52 on comfort.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 92 vs 74 on dry.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 86 vs 71 on handling.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 71 vs 66 on treadwear.
Falken Azenis FK510 won 5 of 8 shared wet handling tests.
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Neither, by our numbers: 83 vs 85 on the wet score, within 3 points.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 92 vs 74 on our dry score.
Neither, by our numbers: 67 vs 69 on the noise score, within 3 points.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 75 vs 52 on our comfort score.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 71 vs 66 on our treadwear score.
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements), each result compared with every other tire in the same test and newer tests counting more. 40% comes from owner reviews found online, adjusted for how generously each site rates. Both use one scale: the average tested tire gets 70, the best 100. When a tire has only one of the two, the missing half is estimated from the other and the score stays closer to average; with no road test and fewer than five owner reviews it gets no score yet.
Handling is the exception: road tests measure it inside the dry and wet scores, so its own row comes from owner ratings only and starts as less important.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score. Full methodology
